Transfer Window: Day 23

There is more speculation today that City may yet enter the market for a defender, but with only just over a week to go, time is running out.

Since day one of the January window and several weeks before it opened, the Blues have been linked with some of the most talented defenders in the world, but will any potential move happen this month?

Stuart Brennan in the MEN believes it is unlikely, writing: “The likelihood remains that City will not do any major business during this window, after being quoted a ludicrous £40million price for Porto's France international Eliaquim Mangala.

“The Blues retain an interest in the 22-year-old, 6'2" Mangala but, unless his Portuguese club knock down the price significantly, they will shelve their interest, and possibly go back for him in the summer.

“City have also been looking at Bayern Munich defender Dante – also said to be a target for neighbours United – and have run the rule over St Etienne's 19-year-old starlet Kurt Zouma, for whom Chelsea are the favourites.”

Sports Direct News also continue to link Mangala with City. Mark Brus reports: “City are seemingly leading the likes of Chelsea and Monaco in the race to sign Eliaquim Mangala, according to Le10Sport.

“Manuel Pellegrini has been in the market for a new defender for some time now, with Mangala up there with his top targets during the summer transfer window.

“It was believed that City could reignite their interest in the Frenchman this January, though it now seems as though they will wait until the summer before agreeing a deal with his current club Porto.”

On the same site, Richard Flynn throws another hat into the ring – a player who has been linked on and off with the Blues for the past three years or so.

The towering centre-half has only 18 months remaining on his current deal with the Turin giants and has stated that he is in no hurry to extend his stay

...Day 23...

“It is believed that the 29-year-old is ready for a new challenge following a trophy-laden nine-year spell with the Serie A leaders, and a move abroad is more likely than a switch to one of the champions’ rivals.”

Finally, one rumour City fans won’t welcome is Yaya Toure to PSG – but don’t worry too much – it is more about Yaya paying respect to the French side if you read between the lines – not that it will stop a raft of predictable headlines!

Many media outlets have picked up on comments he allegedly made on a French radio station, though the Daily Express’ Ben Jefferson is one of few reporters to play down the quotes rather than sensationalize.

He reports: ”Toure is having an exceptional season with the Citizens and admits that he is enjoying his time with City more than he did at Barcelona, but admits the PSG 'project' is one he finds intriguing.
“Speaking to French radio station RMC, Toure revealed that he is 'scared' that City could be drawn against the Paris side in the Champion League.

“And when asked about a possible move to the Ligue 1 champions one day, he said: ‘Anything is possible. Why not? In life you never know. Everything is going well right now at City, but you never know.

'When you have a great team like them, where there are already great players, it obviously draws your attention, but being part of an adventure like this (at City), a group like this, it is exceptional.'”